Failing that, many charities and debt help companies can help you find a less drastic solution to your financial problems.' We suggest seeing if you qualify for these solutions before considering not paying your bills. 'There are schemes, grants, and benefits available from energy suppliers and the government to help people through these challenging times. However, there might be better ways to deal with our energy-related debts that wouldn't damage our credit files. James Gibson, Financial Expert at Debt Support Centre said: 'We understand that life is financially challenging for many, and with the October price cap rise, joining the Don't Pay UK campaign feels like a way to send a strong message to the government about our struggles. It is a very rare occurrence but still one to keep in mind. As a last resort, energy providers could stop providing energy to you. In some circumstances bailiffs could be sent to your home. Following a payment default, your energy provider could then switch your energy supply to a prepayment metre - which is more expensive in most cases.Įnergy Providers: Energy providers could pass on your debt to a debt collection agency and apply to the court to deduct the necessary funds from your wages or benefits. There will be more information on your energy supplier’s website in regards to how much these fees will be.Ī Default: If you miss payments for a period of three to six months, a default may be recorded on your credit report which could then have a serious impact on your credit score. Late Payment Fee: A late payment fee will be applied for missing a payment which will then be recorded on your credit report. They have explained three ways in which energy companies have the legal right to take action in order to recover payments owed to them: The experts have stressed that gas and electricity bills are classed as priority bills meaning failure to meet payments will likely result in serious consequences. Risks of joining the Don’t Pay UK Campaign They have also outlined what to do for those struggling to pay energy bills as prices hike. The debt specialists have said they wish to raise awareness of ways to deal with energy-related debts which won’t damage credit files. Launched in June of this year, the movement is encouraging customers not to pay their energy bills next month in order to strike against the impending price cap rise.Įxperts at Debt Support Centre are urging those who are considering joining to weigh up all of the risks that could arise as a consequence of missed payments, before doing so. A debt expert has warned UK energy customers about the dangers of not paying their energy bills in October as part of the Don't Pay UK campaign.

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